North Houston fertility specilaist freezing embryos for IVF

Is IVF with Frozen Embryos More Effective Than Eggs?

There are many options available for those hoping to become parents but struggling with infertility. Our North Houston fertility clinic, with both Kingwood and The Woodlands locations, offers a variety of fertility treatments, two of which are egg freezing and embryo freezing. But is one of these treatments more effective than the other? Here, our fertility specialists discuss whether North Houston IVF with frozen embryos is more effective than North Houston IVF with eggs. 

Embryo and Egg Freezing At Our North Houston Fertility Clinic

Freezing your eggs or embryos at our North Houston IVF clinic allows you to postpone the IVF cycle for a time that works best for you. The process begins with hormonal injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs at ovulation. Then, our North Houston fertility specialists retrieve your eggs during a minor surgical procedure. 

Should you choose to freeze your eggs, we will dehydrate them first in order to prevent ice crystals from forming and preserve them for future use. Embryo freezing, however, involves fertilizing your eggs with sperm at our Kingwood IVF or The Woodlands IVF clinic immediately following retrieval in order for an embryo to develop. Once this occurs, we’ll freeze the embryos for you to use at a later date.

Which Method Is More Effective?

North Houston IVF with frozen embryos is slightly more effective than eggs. This is also true for the success rate of IVF with frozen embryos over fresh embryos. That said, egg freezing does offer a bit more flexibility and can be more desirable for single women who have not met the right partner. 

What Are the Limitations of Embryo Freezing? 

Sometimes embryo freezing at our North Houston IVF clinic may not be the most suitable choice for you. Whether you have a partner or choose a sperm donor, you must have your preferred sperm source available before embryo freezing because the egg must be fertilized immediately upon retrieval. Also, consider that sometimes frozen embryos must be discarded, which may go against your moral, spiritual, or religious beliefs. 

Discuss Your Options with Our Kingwood and The Woodlands Fertility Clinic Specialists

The most effective way to determine which method may be best for your IVF journey is to schedule a consultation at one of our North Houston IVF clinics. We recognize that your choice is highly personal and we will guide you to make the best decision for your needs and your life. Infertility can be difficult, but you don’t need to face it alone. Let our North Houston fertility specialists help by providing you the compassionate, informed care you deserve.